A struggling India will find wings and regain the lost confidence if they can manage to beat arch-rivals Pakistan in their World Cup opener, says former chief selector and wicket-keeper Kiran More. “In these tournaments, you need little bit of luck also and if India turns it around and wins opening match against Pakistan, that will change the team as the confidence and aggression will be back,” More said. “One match makes a lot of difference and India needs just one good win to regain confidence. It’s a really good team but they are just lacking confidence. Nobody is performing except a few players but the whole atmosphere will be changed with a good win,” he said.
More also felt Dhoni’s leadership will be key in the high-octane match against injury-hit Pakistan on Sunday. “Against Pakistan keeping the cool will be the key and Dhoni is known for that. Aggression should be controlled and he handles it very well. India has a good chance to win this match and I hope that Pakistan’s jinx of not winning against India in WC continues,” said More. “Dhoni is the most important factor for India. If he is in form, he finishes off the things and is a genuine match winner. Virat, Rohit an Raina are also key players,” More said.
India far superior than Pakistan: Irfan
Having played a stellar role many a time in India-Pakistan clashes, all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels that the defending champions have a far superior unit and will do well against the arch-rivals in the opening World Cup encounter. “I think India is going to do really well because I think they are a far superior side. Inshallah I am sure India are going to do well. Aur Irfan Pathan ki duaein bhi toh unke saath hain (My prayers are with the team),” Irfan said.
Irfan, who was part of the 2007 World Cup team under Rahul Dravid, opines it is all about handling pressure. “There is lot of pressure involved in a World Cup. Because everyone is watching you, everyone’s talking about a World Cup, everyone wants the Cup back. And obviously people will talk about it because it comes every four years. So the pressure mounts four times. “When I was in West Indies, we thought we had prepared well but unfortunate that things didn’t turn out the way we would have wanted to,” said the Baroda southpaw.